Italy
Christmas in Rome
Program No. 19115RJ
When in Rome, celebrate Christmas as the locals do. Enjoy the Christmas markets, marvel at the Sistine Chapel, and explore the grand monuments of the city's past and present.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
16 meals (
7B, 5L, 4D
)
2 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Rome, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Rome
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 12:00 p.m. Transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to hotel is 20 miles (50-minute ride). Walking approximately 1 mile.
Afternoon:
Check-in and settle in. At 4:30 p.m., we gather in the meeting room for an Orientation session. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Breakfasts will be buffets. Other included meals will be plated and served from a set menu unless indicated otherwise; water is included, other beverages will be available for purchase. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Transportation will be provided primarily by bus and regional train. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding. Next, we will join our Group Leader in a welcome cocktail (or fruit juice).
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Colosseum, Forum, Nativities, Rome History
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus/vans. Driving 10 miles, total riding time is approximately 40 minutes. Walking up to 3 miles and extended standing, uneven terrain, steps, inclines, gravel paths and cobblestones.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a bus or vans that will take us to the nearest drop-off point near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where a local expert will captivate our imagination as we envision the now-ruined buildings. Our field trip will then proceed to the Colosseum, where intriguing anecdotes about Roman entertainment from centuries past will be shared. Constructed in 80 CE and officially named the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum stood as the grandest structure in the Roman Empire. Spanning an impressive 620 by 513 feet, it had a seating capacity of over 50,000 spectators. The methods employed to create the numerous wonders within its walls continue to mystify architects and researchers today. Throughout history and even in contemporary popular culture, it has become an iconic symbol of gladiatorial combat and the tragic fate endured by countless enslaved people, prisoners of war, condemned criminals, and animals from across the empire. We will walk to the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, a hidden gem tucked away amidst the bustling streets of Rome, which is a testament to the city's rich history and artistic heritage. Inside the church, visitors are treated to awe-inspiring mosaics that adorn the apse, dating back to the 6th century. These intricate mosaics depict scenes from the lives of Saints Cosma and Damiano, showcasing a blend of colors. During Christmas, the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano takes on an even more enchanting allure as it celebrates the Nativity. The church comes alive with festive decorations and a stunning Nativity scene that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. The Nativity scene, crafted with meticulous care, serves as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, inviting visitors to reflect on the story of the birth of Jesus. Kindly note that we may encounter crowded conditions during our visit. Please refer to your Information Packet's "Program Notes" section for additional details on this visit.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will take a bus or vans back to our hotel.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You can also consult your list of suggested restaurants in your program materials.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Vatican Lecture, Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus/vans and escalator. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; standing in line while museum-issued listening devices are distributed; walking two long corridors (0.5 miles each); marble floors; crowded conditions, no public seating. Unavoidable stairs at sites: one at the entrance, one to access the corridor to the Sistine Chapel, and one to enter the Sistine Chapel.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will gather in the meeting room, where an esteemed art historian will join us. Their expertise will be invaluable as they offer insightful background information on the artistic treasures housed within the Vatican Museums, serving as an excellent preparation for our upcoming field trip. After a short break, we will walk to our restaurant for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Accompanied by a knowledgeable museum docent, we will explore some of the extensive collections of the Vatican Museums, comprising 70 galleries brimming with masterpieces of painting, sculpture, and various artistic works amassed over centuries. It is important to note that unforeseen closures of specific galleries may occur; however, our docent will optimize our time by focusing on the most significant and accessible works. Continuing our enriching experience, we will proceed to the renowned Sistine Chapel, an architectural marvel renowned worldwide. Within its sacred walls, Michelangelo's awe-inspiring frescoes depicting scenes from the book of Genesis on the ceiling, as well as the Last Judgment behind the main altar, await our admiration. Descending through a hidden back staircase, expertly guided by our docent, we will arrive at the majestic Basilica of St. Peter. We will behold Michelangelo's renowned early masterpiece, the Pietà—the only artwork he ever signed within a side chapel, now protected by glass. Above the altar stands Bernini's colossal bronze canopy, known as the baldacchino, soaring more than 100 feet in height. Stepping out onto the grand front porch, we will marvel at Bernini's magnificent colonnade, symbolizing the embracing arms of the Church. Our expert guide will provide insights throughout our journey, allowing us to appreciate the artistic and architectural wonders that grace the Vatican's esteemed grounds. We will board a bus or vans back to our hotel following our visit. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Piazze Walk, Free Time, Holiday Traditions, Cooking Class
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble flooring, and urban stone sidewalks. Extended standing during the cooking lesson.The extent of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Embarking on a walking field trip conducted by a local expert to explore three iconic landmarks nestled in the heart of Rome: Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the magnificent Baroque Trevi Fountain. Our first destination is the Pantheon, a remarkable testament to ancient Rome's architectural prowess and the best-preserved monument of its kind. While historical accounts credit Emperor Hadrian for its commission in 118–125 CE, recent studies propose an earlier origin. The Pantheon's design achievements and original purpose continue to bewilder archaeologists, architects, and historians. Stepping inside, we will see the play of natural light through the ceiling's oculus, illuminating the niches along the interior perimeter. Continuing our journey, we will find ourselves at the Fontana di Trevi, a grand masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome, completed in 1743. This magnificent structure replaced previous versions that marked the terminus of one of the city's aqueducts. Our final stop will be the vibrant Piazza Navona, which holds an amazing history. This long oval piazza has since evolved into the quintessential Baroque setting, initially built by Emperor Domitian between 81–96 CE as a venue for track and field games. The buildings lining the perimeter mimic the footprint of ancient bleachers. Within this lively square, artists and performers bring life to its charming atmosphere. We will encounter Gian Lorenzo Bernini's awe-inspiring Fountain of the Four Rivers at its center and admire Francesco Borromini's architectural masterpiece, the church of St. Agnes, on the west side. Vans or taxis will be available for those wishing to return to the hotel. Alternatively, you can remain in the centro storico for independent exploration. Please note that there is a possibility of encountering crowded conditions during our visits.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We will convene in the hotel's designated meeting room. Here, we will be joined by a local history professor whose expertise will guide us in unraveling the intricate layers of Roman history. This engaging session will be a captivating introduction, setting the stage for our upcoming explorations and deepening our understanding of this remarkable city's past. We will walk to a renowned culinary school and cooking experience provider in the heart of Rome, where we will learn how to make a typical Italian dish and dessert. Our passionate and experienced chef provides a hands-on, immersive, and enjoyable way to teach us how to make an authentic Italian dish and dessert.
Dinner:
At the cooking school.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Tempio Maggiore, Jewish Museum, Free Time
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Getting on/off coach or vans. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day on inclined road and uneven urban sidewalks paved in stone or cobblestone. Extended standing in the museums. The extent of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Buon Natale! For those interested, we have some time this morning to attend a Christmas service at a local church. We will board a bus or vans and head to a gate of the Jewish Quarter. A local historian will guide us through the historic Jewish Ghetto, which existed from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Although Rome had a Jewish population before the Diaspora, the Ghetto was established by the pope in 1555 during the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Spanning a mere seven acres and confined within a wall, all Jews were compelled to reside in the Tiber River's flood zone, with many of their rights and privileges stripped away. This situation persisted until Italy's unification under a secular government in 1870, which saw the restoration of their citizenship. Today, the neighborhood exudes vibrancy and liveliness.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Taxis will be available for those wishing to return to the hotel. Alternatively, you can remain in the centro storico for independent exploration. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Galleria Borghese, Free Time, Concert
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus or van. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble flooring, and urban stone sidewalks. An elevator is available at the Galleria Borghese. Unavoidable stairs in the museum. The extent of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today's destination will be the renowned Galleria Borghese, an opulent palace that once served as the private pleasure and reception residence of Cardinal Scipio Borghese (1577–1633), a notable art collector, patron of the young Bernini and nephew of Pope Paul V. Accompanied by a local expert, we will enter the gallery at our scheduled time to embark on an enlightening exploration. Within the gallery's walls, we will encounter an impressive array of significant artworks, including paintings by masters such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian. However, the collection's true highlight lies in Bernini's emotionally charged sculptures, which eloquently capture the essence of the Baroque era. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Vans or taxis will be available for those wishing to return to the hotel. Alternatively, you can remain in the centro storico for independent exploration. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
We will board a bus or vans from the hotel to a local church for an opera concert. Immerse yourself in the melodies and heartwarming tunes that fill the air during these extraordinary concerts, evoking the spirit of Christmas in the historic city. With talented musicians and skilled vocalists showcasing a repertoire of timeless classics and cherished carols, the Christmas concerts offer a unique opportunity to revel in the holiday spirit while surrounded by the city's iconic landmarks. We will return to the hotel by bus or vans at the end of the concert.
Day
8
Capitoline Museums, Free Time
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel dei Mellini
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus/van. Driving 5 miles, approximately 45 minutes of riding time due to city traffic. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble flooring, and urban stone sidewalks. Unavoidable stairs in the museum. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll board a bus or vans to the Capitoline Museums, situated atop the ancient Capitoline Hill, where a local expert will illustrate highlights of the museum's treasure trove of art, history, and culture spanning thousands of years. As one of the world's oldest public museums, the Capitoline Museums boast an extensive collection of ancient sculptures, impressive Roman artifacts, and renowned classical masterpieces. The museums are home to iconic works such as the Dying Gaul, the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the Capitoline Wolf, symbolizing the legendary founding of Rome. Beyond the breathtaking art, the museums offer visitors a chance to explore the history of Rome, with exhibits shedding light on the city's ancient origins and evolution over time.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Vans or taxis will be available for those wishing to return to the hotel. Alternatively, you can remain in the centro storico for independent exploration. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant; for those with early departures, the hotel will prepare a bagged breakfast with a fruit, a roll or pastry, fruit juice, and water to take with you. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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